Local areas should have adequate provision to prevent rough sleeping at any time of year, however the winter period often presents the greatest risks to people’s health. Severe weather provision enables rough sleepers to be accommodated to ensure no one comes to significant harm or dies on the streets during severe weather.

The consequences of severe weather on rough sleepers can often be linked to the effects of extreme cold temperatures, but can include high winds, heavy rain, snow and heatwaves all of which increase the risk of harm.

South Cambridgeshire will generally provide severe weather provision to confirmed rough sleepers during severe weather between the months of November and March, although any severe weather experienced at other times of the year will also be considered.

Under our SWEP, we are able to accommodate those who would not usually be accommodated in temporary accommodation. We can support you during periods of prolonged cold, damp or windy weather during the months of November to March.

How to access SWEP

A referral can be made to the Housing Advice and Homelessness team who will complete an assessment form and/ or refer to the P3 rough sleeping outreach service.

Email: housingadvice@scambs.gov.uk

Telephone: 01954 713000

Emergency out of hours telephone: 01253 501117

As part of the assessment, the Housing Advice and Homelessness Team will ascertain the precise location of the sleep site and evaluate the accessibility of accommodation with family members.

Depending on the outcome of the assessment, the Housing Advice and Homelessness Team will determine whether it is necessary to provide emergency accommodation. Consideration will be given to utilising beds within the Council’s hostel accommodation. If this is unsuitable, or no bed spaces are available an emergency referral to a B&B will be made by a member of the Housing Advice and Options service.

If a rough sleeper is identified out of office hours, please telephone the Emergency out of hours number which is 01253 501117.

Outside of office hours, if it is not possible to verify a rough sleeper, officers will give clients the benefit of the doubt for one night only and an assessment will be carried out on the next working day, before agreeing provision for a second night.

Emergency severe weather provision will be available to rough sleepers where severe weather, such as extreme cold, wind or rain, is anticipated usually between the months of November and March.

Accommodation availability 

Emergency severe weather provision will be available to rough sleepers where severe weather, such as extreme cold, wind or rain, is anticipated usually between the months of November and March.

Some rough sleepers may have dogs. Dogs will not be accepted in most temporary accommodation. Therefore, in order to help encourage the rough sleeper to come in from the severe or cold weather, officers will try their best to find bed and breakfast accommodation where dogs will be accepted, although this is by no means guaranteed.

Dog friendly accommodation